"Why, aren't you old Osawatomie Brown of Kansas, whom I once held there as my prisoner?"
"Yes, but you didn't keep me."
"I have a written communication from Colonel Lee."
"Read it."
Stuart drew the sheet of paper from his pocket and read in his clear, ringing voice:
"Headquarters Harper's Ferry,
October 18, 1859.
Colonel Lee, United States Army, commanding the troops sent by the President of the United States to suppress the insurrection at this place, demands the surrender of the people in the Armory buildings."
"If they will peaceably surrender themselves and return the pillaged property, they shall be kept in safety to await the orders of the President. Colonel Lee reports to them, in all frankness, that it is impossible for them to escape, that the Armory is surrounded by troops, and that if he is compelled to take them by force he cannot answer for their safety.
R. E. LEE, Colonel Commanding U. S. Troops."